Walk Of Faith: Whisnants

One of Southern Gospel’s favorite trios, the Whisnants, have been a part of Southern Gospel music now for over 30 years. They rose to prominence in the late 1990’s after their first #1 song; “Is Anything Too Hard For God”.

2015 finds the release of Walk Of Faith; a twelve song collection of new music. The Whisnants also continue to be leaders among artists who record independently. The success they’ve had without the help of a major record label is a model that other artists could learn.

Walk Of Faith doesn’t stray musically from what the Whisnants have been providing listeners since they hit the scene. The center piece of the group’s sound and popularity is the rich alto voice of Susan Whisnant.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Whisnants have needed an up-tempo song to rival their career making concert closer, “New Day Dawning”. They may have found it in the Marcia Henry/Sue C Smith collab, “Go Out Singing”. This song will have you stomping your feet, singing along and probably hitting repeat.

It seems a majority of the Whisnants most memorable songs feature Susan. Walk Of Faith have several, but none more prominent than the group’s latest single, “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins”. Sometimes it is hard to activate our faith when consumed with worry. It is nice to hear a reminder in song every so often to give our faith a little jump-start.

Logan Peck has penned one of the best play on words I’ve heard in a while. We have all used or heard someone say, ‘I’ve made a grave mistake’. Logan takes that saying and uses it as a resurrection song to convey the thought that Jesus is alive and to think otherwise is a grave mistake (the grave being the empty tomb). I see future hit written all over this song.

Aaron’s stand out song on Walk Of Faith is “Do You Know The Savior”. This song didn’t need an over-produced track but the vocal is the focal point of the song. Simple is sometimes better.

The album starts with a nice up-tempo track, “Joy In The House”. I could see this song being a nice concert opener for the group as they showcase songs from Walk Of Faith.

The album closes with a nice country flavored tune, “Healing Stream”. Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey have collabed on more winners than one can count. Add another to that list.

Strongest songs included in order: “Go Out Singing”, “A Grave Mistake”, “Do You Know The Savior”, “Worry Ends Where Faith Begins”, “Joy In The House”, “Healing Stream” and “My God Is So Good To Me”.

CRITIQUE:

Now that the boys (Austin/Ethan) are singing more in concert, it would be nice to have a feature each on a Whisnants recording. And, yes I am aware they have recorded two albums together.

The album seems to slow a bit with “There Is A Fountain” and “Saved Is All You Have To Be”. Don’t get me wrong, both songs are strong lyrically. The arrangements chosen for both are a bit too somber.

Until I don’t have to say it, I will always call out artists who don’t make new music available digitally. Last time I checked, it is almost 2016.

Weakest songs included in order: “There Is A Fountain” and “Saved Is All You Have To Be”.

WRAP UP:

The Whisnants continue their winning streak of providing Southern Gospel listeners with strong lyrical messages. It is really no surprise why they’ve been ranked among the best in Southern Gospel music for at least a decade.